In 1915 Ochoa became a licensed nurse and spent the next several years working at
different hospitals as a nurse.

By 1937, the right of suffrage was extended to Filipino women. In 1939, Ochoa enrolled
in law school. However, with the Elections for the House of Representatives scheduled
for 1941, Ochoa interrupted her law school studies to return home and run for the
National Assembly representing the province of Agusan. Ochoa won the election on
11 November 1941.

Ochoa would not have the opportunity to fully serve out her term. Less than a month
after her election, the Japanese invasion of the Philippines commenced. After the
restoration of the Commonwealth government under President Osmena, Ochoa resumed
her duties as the duly elected Congresswoman of Agusan.